A tourist ban has not been imposed by WHO over H1N1- Ministry of Health

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The Ministry of Health attests that the World Health Organisation has not imposed any tourist or trade ban on any countries affected by the H.1.N.1 virus.

Ministry Secretary Anura Wijewikrama issued the clarification, in response to Qatar Foreign Ministry’s warning issued to its tourist population not to tour Sri Lanka because of the Influenza H1N1 epidemic.

The secretary to the Ministry of health responded to the letter to Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Asela Weerakoon.

The Secretary points out that although the spread of the H1N1 has increased due to climatic changes, there is no need for concern.

H1N1 has been identified in Sri Lanka and surrounding countries since 2009.

India as well as the Maldives are amongst those countries where the virus is thus spreading fast.

The health ministry secretary also emphasised that due to the fact that the health infrastructure is developed, we have the capacity to contain the virus.